How to Train Your Cat to Use a Cat Flap

Discover More can relate to the feeling of being woken up in the middle of the night to let their cat out and only to change their minds and decide to go back inside minutes later. A cat flap can help solve this problem.
It works by scanning your cat's microchip to allow access to only authorized cats and block access to other. There are a number of benefits to having a cat flap that are:
Peace of mind
Cat flaps are a great way to keep your cat secure and safe by letting them in and out whenever they want. They can be inside at night if they prefer, which reduces their chances of being attacked by feral cats or other cats who might be hunting at night. They can be carriers of deadly illnesses that your cat may catch if they are out at night.
Cats can get in and out through standard cat flaps. This is a concern for some pet owners, who don't want their neighbours' cats to harass their pets, mark their homes as their territory and eat their food or get into fights with their cats. A microchip cat flap will keep other cats out by capturing your cat's unique microchip and only unlocking for your cat is the only cat to get in and out.
It can also give you peace of mind if you are away from home, for example when you are to a vacation spot or go out for the night. It connects to a hub and app that tracks your pet's movements in and out of the home and enables you to control when they are allowed out and in via an intelligent curfew that you set. You can also share the app access with family and friends so that they can monitor your pets whilst you are away.
A microchip cat flap with a magnetic or infrared collar key will provide additional security by allowing only your cat to use the flap if their collar is within a specific distance from it. It is important to spend time training your cat how to use the flap. This is particularly important if they aren't familiar with using one. Start by leaving the flap wide open to let them be able to see the world outside and smell it. By distributing a favorite toy or a treat from either side of flap you can encourage and reward your cat each time it puts its head through. Once they are confident, you can slowly close the flap.
Safety
There are many different cat flaps that are available on the market. They all have different features. It's important to choose one that is suitable for the size of your pet, to allow them to move into and out with no difficulty. Choose a sturdy material that can withstand the elements, rain, and claws.
Some cat flaps can be locked in a range of ways to protect your home and stop burglars from gaining access. You can lock them manually by using a peg which fits into the lock or opt for microchip-encoded cat doors that allow registered cats to access the home. These cat flaps can be easily programmed and are simple to set up, making them perfect for homes with pets that are multiple.
Microchip cat flaps are a great method to track your pet's movement inside the house, even if you're not there. Some models have smart technology that allows you to track your pet's' movements when you walk through the window or door by using an app on your phone.
This is beneficial if you are concerned that your cat might wander off from home or have access to dangerous animals in the neighborhood. You can monitor the health of your pet's health using the app and remotely open their cat flap should they get into any trouble.
You can also choose the four-way manual locking system, which gives you more control over who is able to enter and leave. This is especially useful if your cat is old or aggressive and could struggle with the traditional flap. This can be used to deter your pets from coming in when they're sick or if it's raining outside.
Some pet owners choose flaps that scan a pet's chip and only let it in when the pet is registered. This keeps out other cats. These systems are more expensive than other cat flaps but they're a good way to prevent your neighbour's cats from entering your home.
Convenience
Unrestricted outside access can help to keep your cat physically and mentally active. It also helps reduce the amount of accidents that take place in the home. Cats are also attracted by the scent of plants like cat thyme and catnip (catmint) and clary sage. These can be placed on either side of the flap to encourage them to go through it even if they remain in a shaky state.
It's simple to teach your cat to utilize a small hinged flap that can be affixed to a window or door. Place treats on the other end of the flap, and encourage them to go through using their preferred food. It may be difficult to make your cat go through the first time however once you've mastered it, you will be able to make it a habit.
Another option is to make use of a magnetic cat flap, that detects your pet's microchip and allows it in. They are more expensive, however they work by putting a magnet placed on the neck of your pet to open the flap. They can be a great solution for households with multiple cats and prevent stray cats entering the home.
Other models come with a variety of locking options which allow you to choose to lock it open, closed, exit only or entrance only. They can be helpful for those who want to control when your cat goes out and returns particularly late at night or you're not at home. They may also be useful in situations where you're away from home for a long period of time and need to ensure your cat remains in a safe place.
You can also select a cat flap that is connected to your smartphone and can be controlled by an app, which means you can manage your cat's entrance and exit with ease. They're not as simple to install as traditional cat flaps but they're much safer for your pets and offer more peace of mind. Some of these smart cat flaps come with video monitoring and are accessible from any location with an Internet connection.
Training
It may take a while for a cat to become comfortable with going outdoors on its own, especially in the event that they've not used a flap before. Certain cats are naturally curious and will adapt to the new experience very quickly. Others may need to be gently enthused and require time to master how to open the flap by using a paw or a head. Observing them from the outside and inside can help you work out what methods you can use to train them, but be aware that all cats are unique.
Rather than trying to make your cat go through the flap, you should instead try to encourage them using treats. Place treats on the opposite side of the flap (but not in a way that allows you to see it) and then open the flap. Call your cat through the flap, while speaking in an upbeat, calm voice. This will help your cat learn to use the flap because they will be able to see that it helps them get closer to the reward at the other side.
Once your cat starts to open the flap by licking or shaking their head, you can start introduction to the outdoor world and let them explore their new freedom. It is important to monitor your cat to ensure they are safe out there. Certain cats are vulnerable to the weather and other animals, like neighboring cats.
If you're unsure whether your cat is able to handle the outside world it is possible to put them in a cage at night or leave the flap unlocked so that they have constant access to their litter tray, puzzle feeders, and toys. This allows you to ensure that they get all the exercise and enrichment that they need but also gives them a way to escape any stressful situation in the house, for instance when you're cooking or cleaning. You'll also feel safe knowing that they'll always be able to return home if they choose to.